www.commisceo-global.com. Nigeria has the fastest growing economy in Africa and the highest GNP on the continent. Vast wealth has been generated by it, and it is currently the second-largest film industry in the world by output. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Regardless of the countrys developmental struggles, Nigerians enjoy interacting with their community. The overwhelming majority, with the exception of Tiv, profess the Muslim religion. Therefore, understanding Nigerian culture and way of life can seem like a daunting task, however, gaining this understanding will help you develop a robust action plan to build your business in the region. Nigerians celebrate several holidays throughout the year, including Independence Day (October 1), Workers Day (May 1), and various Christian and Islamic holidays. Football (soccer) does a great job at bringing all Nigerians together to suppor their national team, known as the Super Eagles. [84], Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups[85] and as a result, a wide variety of traditional clothing styles. In masculine countries people "live in order to work", managers are expected to be decisive and assertive, the emphasis is on equity, competition and . Other Nigerian men and women typically wear a traditional style called Buba. Accelerate your innovation and transformation with a fully integrated suite of capabilities that puts digital at the heart of everything. Music and art are important aspects of everyday life in the Hausa/Fulani and they are well known for the Dubar celebration. Four Aboriginal spears taken by British explorer James Cook in 1770, thought to be some of the oldest surviving artifacts collected by any European from Australia, will be repatriated to Sometimes even consumer products are marketed by focusing on a higher being. These are also important aspects of our culture. The most important task for the government is to find ways to unite people, rather than divide them. Therefore, it is a good idea to observe the situation carefully before determining what behaviour is appropriate. [47] They immigrated to West Africa from the Nile Valley during antiquity. Since the southern part of the country is closer to the coasts, the climate tends to be more humid and tropical, while the northern part of Nigeria tends to be more arid and dry. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); TYPES OF CULTURE IN NIGERIA AND THEIR IMPORTANCE (2023). Nigeria is blessed with over 250 ethnic groups with noticeable cultural differences among them. It is used for communication. Although this militant activity concerns the entire nation, these groups primarily impact the northeast region of Nigeria. Protection of Cultural Heritage: The Nigerian experience February 13, 2023 Various other minor ethnic groups make up the rest of the country. Nigerians are generally enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. [76], Nigeria is known for its many traditional dishes. The first wedding is traditional, the second one being in a court, while the third is in the church or the mosque. Hausa/Fulani ethnic group is made up of two hitherto different ethnic groups that have now intermixed to the extent that they are regarded as one inseparable ethnic nation. The Hausa/Fulani people are known for their unique cultural practices most of which have stood the test of time. Dance for the Ubakala shows their value system, helps resolve conflicts, and also institutes change. At the same time, there are some Nigerians who are extremely direct communicators and have no difficulty stating what is on their minds. After reading this article you will find out why. Movie theatres, showing mostly Indian and American films, are popular among the urban middle- and low-income groups. English serves as a common language, used mainly as a means to bridge the communication gaps stemming from the presence so many languages, as well as a way to reach out and connect with the global business community. Other forms of traditional food include fufu, eba, okra, egusi, and ogbono. Things arent perfect, but Im grateful for what I have., Factors to be Aware of When Visiting Nigeria for Business. Nigeria scores 60 on this dimension and is thus a masculine society. 8 major groups account for 90% of Nigeria's population: Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw, Kanuri, Fulani, Ibibio, Tiv. masterpiece of the oral tradition of Humanity, all of whom have been titled chiefs of various ethnic groups, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Nigerian cultural values are under threat, Toyin Falola, US scholar, warns", "Culture Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria", "Culture Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of Korea", "Nigeria: most common languages spoken at home 2020", "There are 27 languages close to extinction in Nigeria", "Igbos, Yorubas have historical ties - Ooni of Ife", "Nigeria: The politics of religion in a transitional society, By Rotimi Akeredolu", "Major tribes in Nigeria and their states with all the details", "Full list of all 371 tribes in Nigeria, states where they originate", "Tooth Dyeing Tradition among the Kanuri Speaking People of Borno, Nigeria", "Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Enugu: Tale of four cities The Nation Newspaper", "Fulani | People, Religion, & Nigeria | Britannica", "Islam has a small presence in Nigeria's Igbo region: what a new Quran translation offers", "Chrislam: Defying Nigeria's Religious Boundaries", "The Oba of Benin Kingdom: A history of the monarchy", "Benin: The hallowed culture of one of the world's most ancient people", "Fulani and Hausa: What's the difference? with Jeremi Suri , and definitely, go the extra mile to make sure to throw notable and enjoyable events for their attendees. Here are seven signs indicating you have a culture that values security. [44] With a population of over ten million, the Ijaws are arguably the most populous tribe inhabiting the Niger Delta section and arguably the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria occupying about 10% of Nigeria's population. Nigeria - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette The major native languages spoken in Nigeria represent three major families of African languages - the majority are Niger-Congo languages, such as Yoruba, Ibo, the Hausa language is Afro-Asiatic; and Kanuri, spoken in the northeast, primarily Borno State, is a member of the Nilo-Saharan family. It is used for commemoration. The word "Ubinu" was later corrupted to Bini by a number of mixed ethnicities staying together at the centre, and it was then further corrupted to Benin around the year 1485 at the time when the Portuguese people started making trade relations with Oba Ewuare.[28][29]. Nigerians typically hold a primary position of employment but are always on the lookout for other opportunities to generate supplemental income. The rationale behind these weddings is that the union needs to be recognized by religion, the law, and by tradition. Basic features of culture in Nigeria - Legit.ng In some of Nigeria's northern states, polygamy is legal and men may marry several wives. Nigerian foods are spicy, mostly in the western and southern part of the country, even more so than in Indian cuisine. They are ruled by monarchs, and are famous for their Benin Bronzes. A very important source of information on modern Nigerian art is the Virtual Museum of Modern Nigerian Art operated by the Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos. This policy document defined culture as " the totality of the way of life evolved by a people in their attempt to meet the challenges in their environment which gives order and meaning to their social, political, economic, aesthetic and religious . 968 Words4 Pages. The people of this tribe are gifted sculptors. The culture of the country is diverse and tends to differ from north to south. While Nigeria has always been politically and culturally influential on the African continent thanks to its large population and enormous oil wealth, the Times coverage is the latest example of growing Western interest in Nigerian culture. The ladies wear their hair in traditional styles and complement their looks with a lot of jewellery, ornaments, and paintings. Nigerian cities tend to be highly populated as many people flock to urban environments for better employment opportunities. February 22, 2023 Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of people. 5. Make certain that your title is prominently displayed. The women wear Iro and Buba and tie a complimentary headgear. National Cultural Dimensions-Nigeria | Cultural Sensitivity in the Radio, television, and other forms of home entertainment (e.g., recorded music and movies) have also grown in popularity, though their use is dependent on the availability of electricity. 5 importance of culture in nigeria food . In Nigeria, there are more than 500 languages that are spoken. Anywhere you find yourself in the Nigerian territory, you will meet a unique group of people who are set in their ways and would blow your mind away with their ways of life. They can also be found in large numbers in Cameroon and other African countries. The Hausa and Fulani are in fact different tribes, but are often counted as one due to cultural similarity. In return, most senior citizens have the responsibility to make various decisions on behalf of ethnic groups. Shared below is some helpful information about Nigerian culture. Social standing and recognition is achieved through extended families. The Igbo political system isnt strong which explains why they are not a politically strong unit within the Nigerian system. Notable musicians include King Sunny Ade, who performed in a style called juju that combines the sounds of several guitars, vocals, and talking drums; and the politically charged Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, whose music is characterized by short songs and extended instrumental pieces. Nigerians' Growing Cultural Influence Around the World That the Igbos were prospering long before the colonial masters came The Igbo-Ukwu culture's place in Nigerian history also demonstrates that the indigenous inhabitants of Nigeria had a stable way of life and were prospering long before the arrival of the colonial rulers. Gifts should be wrapped, although there are no cultural taboos concerning paper colour. Like many other aspects of life, food is a deeply rooted expression of identity, values, and way of life. Several things go into greeting an elder in Nigeria, including ethnic background and gender. Nigerian playwright and musician Hubert Ogunde, founder of Nigerias first professional theatrical company (the Ogunde Concert Party), incorporated traditional instruments into his musical dramas of the 1940s in an effort to revive interest in indigenous culture. Nigerians are very religious and spiritual people. 10 Interesting Facts About Nigeria - US News & World Report [77], The music of Nigeria includes many kinds of folk and popular music, some of which are known worldwide. The Benin people of present-day Edo state had a culture that amazed the colonial masters when they first got to the ancient Benin kingdom. [8][9][10][11] There are many other ethnic groups with sizeable populations across the different parts of the country. The arrival of the Fulani people into Hausaland brought about great changes in the land, which included the introduction of Islam. Global Health Program, Higher Education Webinar: Teaching the History of American Democracy, Webinar [52] The Yoruba people are believed to have migrated from the east to their present lands west of the lower Niger River more than a millennium ago. For women, the loose-fitting blouse goes down a little below the waist. Cultures and indigenous values must evolve bottom-up policies and approaches to growth and development in the country. Titles are important. Kanuri, Fulani, Hausa, Tiv - are the most densely populated groups that live in the north. Nigeria was once a British colony, so the official national language is English. The oldest person in a group is revered and honoured. Many religions are followed in Nigeria. A high value on Performance Orientation means the culture would ideally highly encourage and reward improvement and excellence (GLOBE, 2004). The Yoruba language is pleasing to the ear as it places a lot of emphasis on intonation. Supporters of English football clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea often segregate beyond the traditional tribal and even religious divide to share their common cause in Premier League teams. Gifts are not always opened when received. It is believed that the Igbo people originated in an area that is about 100 miles north of their current location at the confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers. This is also an important political issue, as the Nigerian federalism tried to put together the achievements of the modern democratic West European state and the local cultural traditions. Age is believed to be the main wisdom of the nation. This is especially true when speaking their native language, although many of the same characteristics have been carried into their English language usage. Although the role of the extended family is diminishing somewhat in urban areas, there remains a strong tradition of mutual caring and responsibility among the members. monarchs who have received definite authority from the official government and are recognized by the laws of Nigeria),[58] the chiefs come in various ranks and are of varied kinds - some monarchs are so powerful that they influence political and religious life outside their immediate domains (the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ooni of Ife, for example), while in contrast many local families around the country install their eldest members as titled chiefs in order for them to provide them with what is an essentially titular leadership. Each tribe has different dishes that are unique to their culture. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Fermented palm products make a traditional liquor, palm wine, and also fermented cassava. For men the loose-fitting shirt goes down to halfway down the thigh. [60], Nigeria is famous for its English language literature. Observant Muslims will not generally shake hands with members of the opposite sex. [63][64], Nigerian Nobel laureate[65] Wole Soyinka[66] described the work as "the first novel in English which spoke from the interior of the African character, rather than portraying the African as an exotic, as the white man would see him. Nigeria has the largest population on the continent and the third-largest manufacturing sector. [74] Praised by Nigerians for the strength it gives, garri is "the number one staple carbohydrate food item in Nigeria",[75] A complimentary cap called Fila may be added to the dressing. Every culture in Nigeria has unique diets, mode of dressing, mode of production, language, greetings, marriage, mode of socialization, political systems that could be annexed for development. [53] They eventually became the most urbanized Africans of precolonial times. 5 importance of culture in nigeria Archives - 9jafoods The terra-cotta figurines of the Nok are some of the earliest statues in existence from sub-Saharan Africa. Historically, Nigerian fashion incorporated many different types of fabrics. The word "Ubinu" was used to depict and portray the royal administrative centre or capital proper of the kingdom, Edo. [45] From a historical perspective, it is almost impossible to give a precise and accurate account as to when and where the Ijaws originated, numerous different accounts have been given by many historians regarding this issue but what is certain is that the Ijaws are one of the world's most ancient peoples. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com, Nigerian Culture, Customs, and Traditions, South African Culture, Customs, and Traditions. Furthermore, Nigerians are known for their. We live in a multi-faceted country. The Ijaw culture of the South has been influenced greatly by its location on the coast and the interaction with foreigners that it necessitated. The Igbos are renowned for their strong use of proverbs. Nigerias culture is made up of several ethnic groups that speak 527 different languages. If the information has changed, have new cards printed. This overview of Nigerian culture has, hopefully, provided you with the insight you need to ensure the successful expansion of your business, as a new entrant in the Nigerian market. The eastern part of Nigeria is the home of the Igbos, who are mostly Christians. In Nigeria,majority of parents are stack illiterates .They neither attend religious schools nor western type of institutions. Its an active process, a lifestyle of people which is constantly growing, evolving and mutating. In general, Nigerians start with the general idea and slowly move into the specific, often using a somewhat circuitous route. "[67] Nigeria has other notable writers of English language literature. Other cultures, such as the Igbo used to wear clothes only for modesty in past times, which is unlike other cultures where clothing has always been a symbol of status. Photo by Muhammadtaha Ibrahim Ma'aji on Unsplash. Therefore, if this is the first time you are meeting with a Nigerian company, you should expect to devote a decent period of time to getting to know people on a personal level. Shake hands at the beginning and end of meetings. Families gather to celebrate births and weddings. C.V. Starr & Co. Culture regulates the behavior of a person in his family, school, at work, home, etc., by putting forward a system of prescriptions and prohibitions. Age is believed to confer wisdom so older people are granted respect. Age and position always demand great respect. Present and receive business cards with two hands or the right hand, never with the left. [81] Southern Nigerian women choose to wear western-style clothing. Apart from the main three languages, the cultures of other tribes in Nigeria are equally unique and important. The headquarter of Yorubaland is Ile-life where they believe creation started. Nigerians will generally follow the agenda point by point and may want to consult with key stakeholders who will not be present prior to the meeting. Igbo | Culture, Lifestyle, & Facts | Britannica Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. Apart from culture, society does not have any other mechanisms with which to concentrate and gather the wealth of the experience that has been accumulated by previous generations. [62] With over eight million copies sold worldwide, it has been translated into 50 languages, making Achebe the most translated African writer of all time. If you plan to work from an agenda, it is a good idea to send it in advance of the meeting. This then ended up playing a significant role in the social life and culture of the Hausa people. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. Can culture exist without society? Art is created serve many purposes, among these are: 1. The Bini people[15][16] are most frequent in the region between Yorubaland and Igboland. However some of these states were conquered, taken over and re-established by the Fulani people which then led to the formation of a few other kingdoms such as Katagum, Hadejia and Gombe. Age is believed to confer wisdom so older people are granted respect. Food and eating food is a universal experience, an element of common ground in terms of . Presently, Nigerias religious landscape is generally dominated by Christianity in the South and Islam in the North. Challenges that include a variety of issues, such as inconsistent electricity, bad roads, and low-quality public transportation. It is a good idea to maintain a polite and somewhat reserved manner until the person you are meeting drops some of his formality. Working hours in the north often vary from those in the south so that Muslims do not work on their holy day, which is Friday. His personalized sound, dubbed Afrobeat, is now one of the continent's most widely recognised genres. In literature, Chinua Achebe, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, and, more recently, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have significant readership in the United States. 10 Traditions Only Nigerians Can Understand - Culture Trip After radio and television stations were established in all the state capitals, they began broadcasting programs featuring traditional music and dance, folk operas, and storytelling; these programs are now available in some 25 languages. Lots of Yoruba people still practice the traditional religion but a large number have embraced Christianity and Islam. However, cultural differences should be perceived as wealth, not an obstacle. Nigeria is a democratic country whose federal government resides in the countrys capital, Abuja, which is located in the middle of the country. Nigeria - Geography A Hausa farmer. It explores what is meant by the term 'cultural heritage', while providing examples of same in Nigeria. [82] Perhaps the most popular fabric used in Nigerian fashion is Dutch wax print, produced in the Netherlands. At the time of independence, many hoped that as a huge, democratic country, Nigeria would provide Africa with a seat at the table among the traditional international powers. It also emphasizes the importance of nature, family and tradition. Their logic is often contextual. They are extremely tolerant of the languages of other people around them, leading to the suppression of theirs - especially in northern Nigeria by Hausa. Since the 1990s the Nigerian movie industry, sometimes called "Nollywood", has emerged as a fast-growing cultural force all over Africa. The Nigerian national football team,[73] nicknamed the "Super Eagles", is the national team of Nigeria, run by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). [86] The men wear buba (long shirt), sokoto (baggy trousers), agbada (flowing robe with wide sleeves) and fila (a hat). Their chiefs are therefore monarchs and titled individuals, with most of the latter group making up the membership of the Ogboni secret society. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. One way that Nigeria is unique is through its heritage. [39] Their traditional religion is known as Omenani/Omenala. Nigeria is the most populous countries in Africa, and also amongst the top 20 most diverse countries in the world according to this 2013 Pew Research study. Simply change the country name depending on which guide you are referencing. Wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis. We are all different, but culture helps to unite us. Several streams also flow into the caves . They believe that embedding humour in their message guarantees that what they say is not readily forgotten. They may raise their voices even more and become emotionally excited when they feel passionately about a topic. In the article, author Adenike Olanrewaju describes the emergence of publications Genevieve Magazine, Exquisite Magazine, Todays Woman, and Glam Africa. Pidgin English is a creolized form of the language. The culture of Nigeria is shaped by Nigeria's multiple ethnic groups. with Ivan Kanapathy, Bonny Lin and Stephen S. Roach 4) Lots of oil, little electricity. The significance of Ife culture in Nigerian history will be discussed below: The Origin of Ife Culture in Nigeria In Yoruba land, Ife is considered the place of creation. The Igbo political system isnt strong which explains why they are not a politically strong unit within the Nigerian system. To read more about the Nigerian management style, click here. Nigeria's most important. Culture unites people, integrates them, and ensures their strength as a community. Stay up to date on the latest insights we have to offer. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. Apart from the speakers of standard English, a large portion of the population, roughly a third, speaks Nigerian pidgin, which has a primarily English lexicon. Discover w. Nigeria's rich cultural heritage boasts of huge eclectic and colourful festivals that are full of rhythm, brilliant colours, fun and great pace. [54] Oyo developed in the medieval and early modern periods into the largest of the Yoruba kingdoms, while Ile-Ife still remained a town of very strong religious significance as the site of the earth's creation according to Yoruba mythology. Nigerian beans, quite different from green peas, are widely popular. [42][43], The Ijaw people are said to be a collection of people that are native to the Niger Delta area in Nigeria. Nigerian traditions are wide and vary in the different cultures. Success, like in any other culture, is important to Nigerias citizens and is greatly revered in Nigerian culture. The men sometimes also add a cap called Fula to their dressing. These include Femi Osofisan,[68] whose first published novel, Kolera Kolej, was produced in 1975; Ben Okri, whose first work, The Famished Road, was published in 1991, and Buchi Emecheta, who wrote stories drawn from her personal experiences of gender inequity that promote viewing women through a single prism of the ability to marry and have children. Any disagreement between members will be interpreted as meaning that you are not relaying the entire story and that they should proceed cautiously. Beans and root vegetables are ubiquitous. Make a point of studying any business card you receive before putting it into a business card holder. Culture of Nigeria - Wikipedia From the naturalistic statues produced at Ife to the bronzes made for the king of Benin, Nigerian artists have crafted art that is world famous. They are the most dispersed set of people in Nigeria as they can be found all over the country. On November 5, the New York Times ran on the first page of its business section a long piece on the emergence of luxury lifestyle publications in Nigeria. [78], Traditional musicians use a number of diverse instruments, such as Gongon drums. This is why gaining an understanding of Nigerian culture is so crucial to your business success in the Nigerian market. Food is an important part of Nigerian life. Backed by a suite of sophisticated services and solutions, KPA brings in-depth insights, diverse experiences, and genuine care to every client engagement to deliver the results you need to exceed your set business goals. Ekpe masks and ikenga (personal shrines) from the Igbo in eastern Nigeria and ibeji (twin) sculptures from the Yoruba in western Nigeria are just three examples of the art produced in pre-colonial Nigeria. Unfortunately, in our country, some subcultures oppose each other which lead to the spread of cultural differences in Nigeria. When a person becomes a member of the society, he accumulates knowledge about language, symbols, values, norms, customs and traditions of that environment. They are well known for their energetic dance steps, colourful attires, and masquerades. Weekly. The Yoruba are predominantly of mixed Muslim and Christian backgrounds.The Yoruba make up about 21% of the country's population estimated to be over 225 million and about half of the Yoruba are Muslim, with the other half being Christian.

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